Patient Endurance

Modern society seeks immediate gratification. Conversely, God requires patient endurance. How can we patiently endure in a society of instant satisfaction?

First, understand what patient endurance is, and what it produces. It is something we do actively for a purpose, rather than passively. Patient endurance exists only in adverse conditions; it cannot be developed by abundance and pleasure. Patient endurance proves God’s working, exercises and strengthens itself, is evidence of faith, and gives reason for hope beyond explanation. It is characteristic of an incorruptible mind.

Second, realize that we would be doomed and unhappy without patient endurance. God models this characteristic in His working with us, provides opportunities for us to mimic Him, and takes great joy in seeing His children succeed in so-doing. God will help us if we ask.

Third, patient endurance is a spiritual matter. It is God’s prerogative to work His will, and He wants us to have patient endurance. The spirit of God is a miracle-working power. God has His own way of doing things, and all things work to good according to His plan, so that the end is better than the beginning. The spirit which motivates us, (either good or evil), will produce fruit. That fruit is a confession of its origin. Therefore test the fruit to identify the spirit. A patient spirit confesses that Christ abides in a person.

Fourth, keep your eyes fixed on the goal. The end times are prophesied to be difficult; they are now, and will only get worse. Further, God says He will chasten and correct us. Amidst it all, we hold a promise of Christ’s rescue, and resurrection to spirit life. So we have hope. That hope strengthens patience.

Keywords:
Genesis 5:21 – patience – Enoch – Psalm 119:81 – Proverbs 3:13 – perseverance – long suffering – forbearance – steadfast – Romans 5:1 – 1 Corinthians 2:9 – Philippians 2:20 – 2 Corinthians 12:7 – adversity – trials – overcoming – Psalm 136:1 – Colossians 3:12 – Revelation 3:10 – James 1:2 – Fruits of the Spirit – Philippians 2 – Ecclesiastes 7:8 – 1 John 4:1 – Psalm 37:7 – 2 Thessalonians 1:2-4 – 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – Matthew 10:22 – Hebrews 11:13